When I finally visited New Orleans in 2017, I was ready to try Louisiana’s coveted, savory specialty. When a plate passed my table, I had to ask the waitress, “Is it a soup?” She simply replied, “No, it’s gumbo. Do you want to try it or not?” Of course, I did. And just like that, I was instantly hooked on that rich, complex flavor.
If you’re also a huge fan of gumbo, there is a fierce, delicious festival just for you: The Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators.
This annual event is a massive fundraiser held right in Shreveport’s Festival Plaza, transforming downtown into a true battlefield for gumbo lovers. People travel from all over the Ark-La-Tex to taste their way through over 50 pots of gumbo, with chefs battling for the title of Ultimate Gumbo Gladiator…